Greed, double-jobbing and family dynasty-building bringing shame to politics Allister
15 May 2009
Statement by Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister QC:-
The greed which has emerged in the expenses scandal this week has brought politics into grave disrepute. Public trust has been rocked to its core.
In Northern Ireland the added dimensions of double-jobbing and family-dynasty building, has added to the public contempt. Not surprisingly, these have been the top issues on the doors this week. I have met hundreds of electors, hard-pressed in these difficult times, who are outraged by the gross abuse in which some have indulged. Paying the weekly grocery bill is a huge struggle for many, so when extravagance, at the public expense, is flaunted, it offends right-thinking people.
The European Parliament expenses regime is far from perfect, but being based on a daily allowance when in Brussels to pay for hotel bills, at least it avoids the scandal of acquiring property at the public expense. My own expenses, of course, are posted on my website. I would call on other MEPs and MPs to do likewise.
